The holistic doc I saw also suggested magnesium to help with bowels. A few other things I have been suggested, ground flaxseed, baby prune food instead of juice if can't tolerate the juice. In the hospital they had me take stool softners for a short time which is not habit forming. For me supplements like the powder or even fiber 1 backs me up even more. Make sure though you are drinking enough water. Apples of course are good but only have 3 or 4 grams of fiber and one should get at least 25. Feel better